Decision Maker Response

Sondy Pope’s response

Oct 8, 2013 — Thank you for contacting me with your concern regarding LRB 2063. I appreciate the fact that you have taken the time to share your thoughts with me on this issue.

LRB 2063, known as the Wisconsin Firearms Freedom Act, would prohibit state and local law enforcement from enforcing any sort of federal measure that bans certain types of guns (assault weapons and extended clip sizes), relates to firearm registration, or relates to the confiscation of firearms. This bill would punish any law enforcement official who tries to enforce federal gun laws with a Class A misdemeanor. LRB 2063 would also prohibit physicians (excluding psychiatrists) from asking a patient whether they own firearms or from requiring the patient to disclose such information before providing them treatment. Any physician who violates this provision would be subject to a fine up to $25,000 or up to 9 months in prison. The bill would also require all Wisconsin gun manufacturers to include a “Made in Wisconsin” stamp on all new guns produced, in the hope that they will not be able to be federally regulated if they do not cross state lines.

LRB 2063 proposes that we prevent sensible federal regulations to decrease gun violence from being enforced. Although I support the 2nd Amendment right of law-abiding Americans to purchase guns, I fail to see the logic behind keeping assault rifles legal. In my view, banning assault weapons and extended magazines would do little to burden “responsible gun owners” and would do a lot in preventing needless gun deaths in our country.

After the two shootings that occurred in Wisconsin this past year, I am in favor of having stricter regulations on gun laws. Many of my constituents have been writing me for months with concerns mutual to mine when it comes to gun laws. As an elected representative I take into consideration the concerns voiced by my constituents and if I agree with those concerns, as I do in this case, I will do whatever I can, along with my colleagues, to see restriction on gun laws implemented in our state. Therefore, I will not support the Wisconsin Firearms Freedom Act.

LRB 2063 is still up for co-sponsorship, and only after that can it be referred to the appropriate committee for further amendments. I will keep your opposition to this bill in mind during this legislative session.

Thank you once again for sharing your thoughts with me on this issue. If I can be of any further assistance to you on this, or any other state issues, please do not hesitate to contact me.